PHOENIX — A reunion with former Arizona Diamondbacks fan favorite Paul Goldschmidt was a dream for many supporters, and throughout the offseason, reports suggested it could become a reality.
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May 29, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (48) jogs to first to record an out at first after fielding a ground ball against the Athletics in the sixth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
However, Diamondbacks CEO Derrick Hall revealed Thursday that no negotiations ever took place, causing fans to take a second look at previous reports that suggested otherwise.
During the offseason, the D-Backs were looking for a right-handed power bat at first base. At the same time, fans began speculating about a reunion with Goldschmidt, especially as Arizona was linked to St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, Goldschmidt’s longtime teammate in St. Louis.
Aug 4, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (48) in action during the game between the Texas Rangers and the New York Yankees at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Local Arizona media reported there were ongoing discussions about a reunion with the former All-Star. Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro reported in February that while the Diamondbacks were interested in Carlos Santana, the club was also in discussions with Goldschmidt.
Hall’s comments, however, directly contradict the report. During an appearance on Thursday on Bickley & Marotta Mornings on Arizona Sports, Hall said the Snakes and Goldschmidt never engaged in discussions about a return to the desert, leaving fans to wonder what really happened during the offseason and whether a reunion was ever truly on the table before the club signed Santana instead.
“We never even had discussions with Goldy,” Hall said. “Ken [Kendrick] and I asked several times, should we bring Goldy back?… We never even got to that point and we turned our attention to focusing those dollars on the pitchers.”
https://t.co/mBSJ8oVEIn pic.twitter.com/n0VkSoI0jS
— Arizona Diamondbacks | Stats & Info (@DbacksStatsInfo) June 25, 2026
Very interesting. Derrick hall said the Dbacks never had interest in Paul Goldschmidt but Gambo said the Dbacks and Goldy were still talking back in Feb.
— 🌵 Mr. Az (@MrAzSports) June 25, 2026
Yikes.#Dbacks https://t.co/SL3gC1QDHU pic.twitter.com/jPTur5LdrO
— David Haney (@David_Haney11) June 25, 2026
Goldschmidt spent eight seasons with the D-Backs after being drafted by the organization in 2009 and became one of the cornerstones of the franchise. He was traded to the Cardinals before the 2019 season and spent six seasons in St. Louis before signing with the New York Yankees as a free agent.
In 2026, the former Valley star has rediscovered his All-Star form in the Bronx, hitting .301 with 14 home runs, 40 RBIs and a .932 OPS.
Jul 14, 2018; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) on third base against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
As for Santana, the veteran first baseman struggled during his brief stint in Arizona, collecting just two hits in 24 at-bats before suffering a strained right adductor. Despite multiple attempts to return to the major league roster, setbacks prevented a full recovery, and he was designated for assignment on June 24.
For fans who hoped the former Arizona star would once again wear Sedona Red, Hall’s comments and what ended up happening to its first base singing may be a tough pill to swallow.
Arizona Diamondbacks Paul Goldschmidt against the Atlanta Braves in the sixth inning on Sep. 6, 2018, at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Instead, Hall says the reunion many believed was possible never got off the ground.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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